Pawpaws require shade until they are about two fee tall, after which they can be grown in shady locations or in sun. Edible fruit has a banana texture, thought it tastes more like papaya or mango than banana. Birds and other wildlife readily eat it. Leaves are a major food source for zebra swallowtail butterflies. A native reported to produce the largest edible fruit of any native tree in the U.S. A superb understory tree for tall woodland trees. Fruiting is best if trees receive several hours of sunlight daily. Although a native, seldom abundant. The large somewhat droopy leaves make pawpaw trees rather conspicuous in a woodland setting. Small trees grow from the stolons of larger, mature trees. Not easily transplanted from native stands. There are several special cultivars available for improved fruiting qualities. It is a deer resistant species.